March 2009

March 25, 2009
Subject: Rattler Market on Friday
Hello. For Paws will be participating in the Rattler Market to be held from 10 AM-1 PM this Friday, March 27, in the Quad. In addition to our Cletus-designed T-shirts and tote bags, we'll also be featuring Eva Bueno's Spring Cat totes, the 2009 For Paws Fiesta buttons, and a few other surprises.
The Rattler Market is part of Women's History Month at St. Mary's; participating in this event gives us a new venue to introduce For Paws to more people. In addition to merchandise, we'll have free bookmarks, fliers, etc.
It's short notice, but volunteers are welcome at any time between 10 AM and 1 PM! Thank you for your support.
Caroline
For Paws Cat Wrangler

March 18, 2009
Subject: Meet Patty
Good morning. What makes a cat a For Paws cat? Consider the story of Patty who came to us on St. Patrick's Day. Imagine you're driving to work when suddenly you hear a cat meowing inside your car. That's the situation that Alicia Boone found herself in yesterday morning.
As a Resident Assistant in Leies Hall before she graduated, Alicia was very helpful to For Paws, notifying us of new cats in the area, counseling residents not to release trapped cats, etc. So when she encountered the small gray cat in her car, she turned to For Paws for help.
As soon as Alicia brought us the cat, we whisked Patty off to Blue Cross Clinic where she was spayed, vaccinated, ear-tipped, and microchipped ($104.80). Alicia believes she has a home lined up for Patty, so she took Patty yesterday evening to recuperate and then relocate.
Patty apparently slipped through a slightly open window in Alicia's car and spent a warm, comfortable night there before her big adventure began. So back to the original question: what makes a cat a For Paws cat? Maybe we stretched the definition in Patty's case, but when a good-hearted St. Mary's alumna /graduate student rescues a young female cat in heat, action is more important than a definition.
Patty is the 131st cat to go through our program. Thanks for your support.
Caroline
For Paws Cat Wrangler

Folks, I'm sorry to report that Lemon Drop was killed by a dog sometime between Saturday and Sunday; I found her body near the library when I came to do the Sunday morning feeding. The other cats are okay, although clearly traumatized.
It's hard to believe we knew her for only a few weeks because she made such a deep impression on us. L. D. came to us dirty, hungry, pregnant, and suffering from a serious skin infection. Thanks to excellent vet treatment and loving foster care, we were able to give Lemon Drop a better life, if only for a brief time.
There's little to be gained from second-guessing ourselves or wishing we'd done things differently; we can't change the fact that we're located in a neighborhood filled with stray dogs and irresponsible humans. Despite our circumstances, we save more cats than we lose, and we'll continue saving them-one cat at a time. Thanks for your support.
Caroline
For Paws Cat Wrangler

March 6, 2009
Subject: Lemon Drop Returns
Good morning. L.D. was returned to campus this morning. She had another steroid shot earlier in the week, and her ears are looking much better-although still generally hairless. (Vet expenses so far are a little over $200.)
The photos show Lemon Drop's first meeting with Ruth. It wasn't love at first sight, but it went well enough. She also met Cien and was completely unimpressed with him! Keep your fingers crossed that all other cat meetings go well.
And please, please do all you can to get the word out on her. L.D. is very self-assured, but she is also very people-dependent. So even though we've released her on campus, we're still seeking a home (with no dogs) for her.
Thanks for your support.
Caroline
For Paws Cat Wrangler

March 2, 2009
Subject: Lemon Drop Update
Hello. Lemon Drop was spayed and vaccinated on Thursday and is recuperating with her foster family, the Lucios. They report that she is very friendly to humans and accepts other cats. She loves to cuddle up for a nap. We don't know how she is around dogs or small children. She's not a finicky eater and always uses the litter box.
Dr. B thinks her ears are much improved, but she'll probably always be little differently "eared." Since white cats are prone to sunburn on their ears if they live outside, we're seeking an indoor home for L.D. But harsh reality being what it is, she may have to settle for life as a campus cat.
Please spread the word on this sweet cat; the adoption fee is definitely negotiable for a good home. I know she has a face only a mother could love, but she deserves a better life than what she's had. Thanks for your support.
Caroline
For Paws Cat Wrangler